Coronavirus Australia: Sunlovers and businesses rejoice as Bondi beach to reopen

Sydney’s famous beach will be back open to the public next week but the council is already warning people not to visit.

Helen Hatfield, 33, with friend Lizzie Chadwick 32 out walking at Bondi Beach on Wednesday. Picture: Britta Campion

Australia’s most famous beach will once again be open to the public from next week, but the local council is already imploring people not to come and is warning that any breaches of the strict public health restrictions will cause it to be closed down once more.

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos confirmed on Wednesday that the council had voted to reopen the prized stretch of sand to swimmers and surfers a month after it was shut when crowds flouted ­social-distancing measures.

Last month, Bondi Beach became the poster case for ignorance when photos posted on social media showed crowded shores that breached the ban at the time on gatherings of over 500 people.

Ms Masselos issued a stern warning that non-locals should stay away. “While we normally welcome our visitors, I would like to say at this point, please don’t come to Waverley,” she said.

“If there are thousands of ­people and there’s no flow going in and out of the water, then the ­assessment will be made and, if necessary, it will be closed.”

After a month in lockdown, not everyone is hoping visitors stay away, with local businesses hoping the reopening also provides a boost in customers.

Co-owner of Bondi Surf Co Donna Johnstone reopened her surf apparel store on Wednesday in anticipation of the easing of the measures.

“We’re welcoming it because a big part of our business is hiring surfboards,” she said.

“If we don’t get up and running close to where we were at, we’re going to struggle because the rents are just too high.”

Others said they hoped everyone would adhere to the ­social-distancing requirements so the beach could be used by everyone.

Local photographer Clara Marri said she was counting on punters to follow the rules.

“Even today, I have seen people sunbathing on the grass, which is not allowed,” she said.

Bondi accountant and surfer Alex Nothling said he was brimming with excitement to return to the waters of his local beach.

“Bring it on. I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “Australia has proven that we are capable of following rules. If we do this right and just use it for swimming and surfing, then I am fully supportive.”

Waverley has become the top NSW hotspot for COVID-19, with 180 confirmed cases, according to the latest NSW Health data. The area has 27 cases of local transmissions with an unknown source, making it the second-highest area in this category in the state. Bondi Beach’s drive-through testing clinic has conducted 3807 tests.

A NSW Health spokesman said beachgoers were required to maintain social distancing while exercising. From Tuesday, Bondi and Bronte will be open for swimming and surfing, while Tamarama will be accessible only for surfing due to a strong rip there.